Just as people should have a good doctor they can talk to and relate to, a dog should have a good vet. It is important to have their shots up to date. There are several different types of viruses that are very harmful to dogs, and no matter how well you try and guard your dog, viruses can be exposed to them. A dog can be exposed to a virus in their own backyard, simply by a loose dog running the neighbor coming close to your gate. They can be exposed by their owner or other visitors to your house simply by associating with other pets outside your home or stepping in the virus outside from another animal. Also, most states if not all require a rabies vaccination. There is a one year and a three year rabies vaccination available, you can talk to your vet and see which best suits your dog. If your dog seems sick and does not seem to get better or worsens, it is best to take him to see a vet before it gets worse or becomes fatal. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Vaccination schedule for most dogs
| Age | Vaccination |
|---|---|
| 5 weeks | Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk. Check with your veterinarian. |
| 6 & 9 weeks | Combination vaccine* without leptospirosis. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. |
| 12 weeks or older | Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (age at vaccination may vary according to local law). |
| 12 & 15 weeks** | Combination vaccine* Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs. |
| Adult | Combination vaccine* Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (time interval between vaccinations may vary according to local law). |
Consult with your local veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog. Recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the dog, the potential of the dog to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the dog is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the dog lives or may visit. *A combination vaccine, often called a 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines may also include leptospirosis (7-way vaccines) and/or coronavirus. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred. **Some puppies may need additional vaccinations against parvovirus after 15 weeks of age. Consult with your local veterinarian. Bordetella and parainfluenza: For complete canine cough protection, we recommend Intra-Trac II ADT. For dogs that are shown, in field trials, or are boarded, we recommend vaccination every six months with Intra-Trac II ADT. |
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